The Incredible Diamonds

The Incredible Diamonds
LaSalle’s Grand Re-Opening
Friday, January 22, 1999

I’m not even sure where I should start. Between the Bill Fishkin Thai food birthday dinner and the party that followed, I was one happy clam. For those of you that don’t know, that once-popular joint we call LaSalle’s has re-opened. It was purchased by new, benevolent owners with cause and conviction, and they did one hell of a number on it.
As for changes to the bar, I only really only noticed a few. All the urinals in the men’s room were operable (Dick Steele would love it), the back bar was closed, the heaters outside kicked some serious ass and the sound system was dialed in. There was also an absurdly large number of people working there, but they were all doing one heck of a job. The game room took a few changes, with the most noticeable being an incredibly long shuffleboard table.
My 9:40PM entry was a good idea since I heard that, later that night, the line almost wrapped all the way around Chevy’s. Upon entry, I was excited to hear the sounds of our friends Matt Hogan (a newlywed, I might add) and The Incredible Diamonds. For those of you who don’t know, the Diamonds have been around for quite some time.
Besides such songs as "Mean Miss Kitty From Malibu City," the Diamonds went through an address book of popular covers that had the dance floor packed and the booze flowing. Such tunes as the Bo Diddley "Who Do You Love," "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix and an interesting cover of Dick Dale’s "Miserlou" brought back the nostalgia of the older crowd as well as us young cats. At one point during their first set, Hogan, with a wireless hookup on his guitar, took a stroll outside on Main Street while still playing along. He then climbed up on the bar, tore it up and even took a shot only to toss the empty glass over his shoulder into the bartender’s hands all, all while drummer Clint Bear and bassist Brian Shepps kept a steady beat. They also played a Richie Valens tune, some Doors and a popular little number by George Thorogood.
All in all, the night went off. The bartenders did a great job keeping everyone’s hands full, while keeping the atmosphere safe and fight-free. Make sure and set a night aside to go check out the new and improved LaSalle’s, as I am sure it would fit your agenda nicely. There are some great bands that will be coming through so keep an eye out.
– Noah Beery

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